The makers of snack foods know which people in the family to gear their advertising toward --the children of course! As a parent, it is becoming more difficult to get kids interested in fresh fruit and vegetables when their eyes are drawn to all the colorful packaging of sugar-sweetened cereals, sodas, cookies and snack cakes.

Try to teach your kids that foods shouldn't be looked upon as "good" or "bad." All foods, even sweets or higher fat snacks can fit into a healthy diet occasionally. The most practical approach is not to include these less nutritious snack foods on your grocery list. It is fine to go out for an ice cream, a soda, or buy individual-sized chips or candy when you feel it is time for a treat. This shows children that these foods are acceptable, but not readily available at home to be eaten in unlimited amounts. The sooner this approach is taken, the easier your job will be in getting your children to eat healthier, even at snack time.

At 8 months old to 1 year, your child will be able eat small portions of the some of the snacks listed above. Typically it is recommended that cow's milk, egg whites and citrus fruits not be offered until after 1 year of age. You should also avoid offering nuts until your child is at least 2 years old. Always supervise your baby or toddler while eating to avoid choking. "Choke foods" include raisins, cranberries, grapes, chunks of carrot, nuts, seeds, chunks of peanut butter, hard candies, hotdog pieces, and popcorn. When in doubt, chop it or wait until your child is older. The danger of choking on these types of foods remains high until age 4.

Written by Terri Murphy, RD, CDE for McKesson Health Solutions LLC.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.